A city where the core of its social life is surrounded by culinary experiences, Taipei has a plethora of delicious food stops to choose from. Unlike in most major cities, where a night out consists of hanging out at a local bar or club, drinking boozy beverages, and dancing into the wee hours of the morning, Taipei is all about its night markets and that’s where you will find the bulk of its residents on a balmy weekend night.
The Night Markets of the Wanhua District
Taipei is made up of several different urban districts, much like the boroughs of New York City, each having its own unique sub-culture. The Wanhua District is the oldest district in Taipei, dating back to the time of the Qing Dynasty, and features a lovely mix of historic charm with modern style. Explore this district and you will find everything from centuries old buildings and monuments, to some of the best night markets of the city.
Hua Xi Night Market AKA “Snake Alley”
Deemed as the night market for tourists visiting the region, Hua Xi Night Market presents guests with a fanfare of bright flashing lights, similar to a welcoming to the Las Vegas strip. This night market is located on Hua Xi street, near many of the famous local attractions, and offers guests a real taste for authentic Taiwanese food. As the name suggests, “Snake Alley” does have an assortment of snake meat infused food for you to try if you are so bold and daring. Hua Xi Night Market is the original night market, once serving as a collection of brothels with a seedy past.
As you stroll through the market stalls, your nose will eventually catch a whiff of another local culinary staple, affectionately known as stinky tofu, which can be mixed in to just about any dish served at the market. The market also has an assortment of jellies, bean paste stuffed mochis, bubble tea, and more.
Xichang Street Night Market
Another local haunt that is popular among night dwellers of the area, as well as tourists, is the Xichang Street Night Market. This is a family-friendly market that is open from 4pm-12am nightly and is just east of Longshan Temple. Xichang Street Night Market is smaller than “Snake Alley,” but still has a variety of things to try out and buy. At this market, you will find an assortment of local delicacies like Asian noodle dishes, meat and seafood snacks, rice bowls, and regional favorites.
Once you have decided upon what you want to dine on, you can dig into your meal at one of the seating areas or wander throughout the market looking at the other items for sale. You will find vendors selling handmade crafts, clothing items, cheap purses and accessories, and many different gift items. Goods at this market usually sell for cheap, so feel free to splurge a little.
Guangzhou Street Night Market
Located off of Guangzhou Street, the Guangzhou Street Night Market is a local mealtime haunt that is free of all the bells and whistles of other night markets of the area. At this night market, it is all about the food. Guangzhou Street Night Market is open from 4pm-10pm daily and is home to vendors who sell cuttlefish and other seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit, pig innards, inexpensive accessories, hot tea, toys, and regional food.
Guangzhou Street Night Market is simple and features an old Taiwanese feel to it. This market is geared more toward those who are interested in purchasing goods and food to eat, without all of the “touristy” entertainment. If you are a bargain shopper, be sure to bring some cash with you so you can snag up loot at extremely cheap prices.
Wuzhou Street Night Market
Located at Heping West Road Sec. 3, Wanhua District, Wuzhou Street Night Market is another local haunt where you can get authentic Taiwanese food and snacks from vendors who are passionate about flavors and tastes. At this market, you will find traditional foods that are served up in generous portions. Frog soup anyone? Or perhaps milk fish stew? The prices of most menu items are extremely affordable.
Wuzhou Street Night Market is open daily from 6pm-12am, and is located near Longshan Temple. This night market is free of all the flash and flair of the some of the more tourist oriented street night markets. You will get the real deal when you check this place out.
Attractions in the Wanhua District
The Wanhua District is home to some of the oldest landmarks in all of Taipei. Before heading over to the night markets to get your evening meal fix, check out some of these fun attractions:
- Longshan Temple: Considered to be the oldest building in the city, this temple was constructed in 1738 and welcomes visitors to step inside and admire its beauty. The temple was used as a place of worship for the Chinese during the Qing Dynsasty rule.
- Sugar Factory Cultural Area: This relaxing attraction and park pays tribute to the history of sugar production in the region. It is a great place to rest and relax on a warm sunny day, and is home to a small sugar cane display, railroad cars, seating areas, and a grassy flower garden area.
- Bopiliao Ancient Street is a simple building center that is home to local businesses and shops, but has a history that dates back to the 1800s when it was constructed. While it lacks some of the detail and luster of the other historic buildings in the area, it is still worth checking out. Stroll under the awning and check out the old masonry work while peeking through the storefront windows.
- Youth Park is the place to be for outdoor concerts and events. The park used to serve as a military installation and was later converted to the entertainment hot spot that it is today. It features a covered stage and plenty of bench seating. Check out the park agenda while planning your trip to Taipei.
Transportation in Wanhua District
Taipei has several different transportation options to get you to where you are going quickly. While picking up a rental car is an option, you may be better off letting someone familiar with the area do all of the driving for you.
Consider hiring a car and driver to get you around to all of the attractions if you prefer a private ride. While you are being transported to your destination, you can check out the scenery and take pictures of all the beautiful buildings, monuments, and gardens. You can hire a private shuttle service or arrange for a rideshare. Taxis are also another good option if you want to get somewhere quickly.
The Wanhua District also has an extensive public transit system that you can utilize. Each route is color coded so you have a clear understanding of where you are going before you hop aboard. The Metro offers commuter routes as well as routes that stop at the top destinations of the district. Plan ahead when taking the Metro bus as you will most likely have to do a little walking to get to your final destination. In order to ride the Metro, you either need to carry cash or an EasyCard; one way tickets run at around NT$15.
Another fun way to get around Taipei is to take advantage of one of the rental bike services available in the city. You can travel around on your own terms and get some exercise as you go. Bike rentals are available at many locations throughout the city and you can rent a bike by the half-day, full-day, or longer.
Find a Great Hotel Near the Wanhua Night Markets
The streets of Taipei are filled with a variety of excellent hotels to choose from. Are you looking for a 5-star luxury suite? A communal hostel perhaps? Wherever it is that you wish to rest your head at night, this city has you covered! Here is a brief look at some of the most popular hotels in Wanhua.
Rich Garden Hotel
Featuring a clean and homey ambiance, Rich Garden Hotel puts you in close proximity to all of the fascinating night markets in the Wanhua District. This hotel has several different room options available, ranging from a standard room to an executive suite. The hotel offers a business center and a coffee shop that serves up piping hot beverages and pastries.
Ti HWA Hotel
Complete with 32 bedrooms and in close proximity to downtown Taipei, Ti HWA Hotel is an excellent choice for those who want to spend less on their lodging and more on having a great time in the city. This hotel features clean rooms with free Wi-Fi, a TV, and daily housekeeping service. There is a public lounge located in the lobby. Rooms at this hotel start out at $43 per night.
Huazhong Campground
Do you enjoy camping? If so, skip the hotel room all together and reserve a campsite at Huazhong Campground. The campsite is located less than eight miles from the airport and provides nice accommodations for those who enjoy the great outdoors.
You do not need to bring a camper or tent when you reserve your campsite, as the campers are already on-site for you. Each campsite comes with an outdoor seating area, complimentary toiletries, and fresh linens inside your camper. You can also rent a bicycle at the on-site bike rental facility.
Rich Garden Hotel
Ti HWA Hotel
Taipei Hua Zhung Campsite
